CIVILIAN OFFICERS ENJOYING THEIR ROLE IN DEFENCE

The talent in the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) come from all walks of life and work in different departments . However, they have one thing in common: the desire to strive for excellence.

This year, 129 defence executive officers (DXO) were recognised for their efforts and presented with certificates of promotion from Permanent Secretary for Defence Chiang Chie Foo at the 2010 Civilian Promotion Ceremony held at the MINDEF Auditorium on 25 Jun.

Among the newly promoted DXOs was Head Internal Audit Ms Anna Cheng.

While many others may balk at the prospect of crunching numbers for a job, Ms Cheng never had a doubt about her love for it. Some fresh graduates may waver and remain undecided when it came down to choosing a life-defining career, Ms Cheng knew all along that a career in numbers was what she was meant for.

After graduating from the Nanyang Technological University with a Bachelor of Accountancy in 1991, Ms Cheng joined MINDEF as a Finance Executive and has not looked back since.

"I love the fact that numbers are steady and predictable. I have been fortunate to have had many different opportunities and exposure throughout the various stages of my career," said Ms Cheng, whose current job involves maintaining an effective control framework through evaluating the effectiveness and efficiency in MINDEF/SAF.

Being a civilian in a military entity does not deter her. In fact she has managed to use her love for numbers as a way to contribute back to the organisation.

"I see both civilians and soldiers as working towards common goals and objectives. Despite being a civilian, I see my contributions through auditing as a way to promote efficiency and improve the processes and operations in MINDEF/SAF," said Ms Cheng.

For Ms Ang Yee Ling, Assistant Director of Manpower Policy Division, who was also promoted, she told cyberpioneer that she felt her work was a vital contribution towards defence.

"My department is in charge of service schemes as well as remuneration and service benefit policies for both regulars and DXOs," said Ms Ang.

"As such, our work helps to give both servicemen and regulars a peace of mind. They can be assured that they will be well taken care of with our department around."

Though the promotion comes with an increased pay grade, it is not what is foremost on the mind of DXOs like Mr Keng Wei Terk.

Mr Keng, who is a Staff Officer in the Curriculum Design Section, Training Development Branch, cited love for what he does as a reason for staying on in the job for the past ten years.

"As part of my job, I actually plan the curriculum for training and development for the Army Combat Service Support Courses," said Mr Keng.

"So even though I'm not a regular, I feel like what I do contributes directly to the 3rd Generation SAF as it makes a direct difference in enhancing the dynamism and forward thinking of our soldiers."

The promotion ceremony for DXOs is held once a year and serves to both recognise and reward talented personnel in MINDEF/SAF.